doxazosin mesylate, Cardura, Cardura XL (cont.)

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Doxazosin causes significant reduction in blood pressure
after administration of the first dose (first dose effect). This reduction in
blood pressure may be associated with dizziness and fainting, especially when
rising from a sitting position. To avoid this, patients should rise slowly from
a sitting position, start treatment with the 1 mg dose, and then doses should be
adjusted upwards slowly. Priapism (painful, prolonged penile erection) and a
reduction in white blood cells have been associated with doxazosin.

Doxazosin can cause intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during
cataract surgery. Patients should inform their eye surgeon that they are taking doxazosin.